…As school suspends examination
By Nnamdi Ojiego
Police have confirmed Tuesday’s armed robbery attack and rape of female students of Tai Solarin University of Education, TASUED, located in Ogun State, South West Nigeria.
Following the unfortunate incident, the institution subsequently suspended its ongoing second-semester examinations.
The suspected armed robbers were said to have invaded private female hostels within the school premises, dispossessed occupants of valuable items and allegedly raped about four students.
The spokesperson for the police in Ogun, Omolola Odutola, while confirming the incident Thursday night via text message, told University World News that necessary measures have been put in place to protect the lives and property of members of the community.
Odutola, a superintendent of police, said: “We are aware of the incident and the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, has visited the scene and has emplaced security to fortify the school.”
Meanwhile, the suspension of the examination was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the university’s registrar, Mr Dapo Oke, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
“The university condemns in strong terms incessant attacks on students, particularly the dimension of rape.
“The university assures students, parents and guardians of its efforts in conjunction with the state government and security agencies to ensure that the welfare and security of students remain a priority”, Oke stated.
It is important to note that this is not an isolated incident as similar robberies have occurred in the past including an attack on a hostel consisting of twenty-two rooms just weeks ago.
Adeniran Timdotun who graduated from TASUED recounted witnessing similar attacks during his postgraduate program back in 2012 when armed robbers stormed several commercial banks within school premises leaving casualties behind them.
He urges authorities to prioritize safety by providing adequate security measures for students and all members of staff within the university community.
“This is common with my alma mata. I remember when I was doing my Master’s program, armed robbers attacked some commercial banks in the school. Several people died during the operation which lasted for hours. The government should do the needful by putting reliable measures in place to curb this kind of pathetic incident”, Timdotun stated.